Impact of foliar nutrition of biostimulants on the yield, biochemical parameters, nutrient uptake and profitability of greengram

Abstract

Biostimulants are biologically derived substances that, when applied to plants or soil, enhance plant growth or improve its tolerance to abiotic stress. A field experiment was conducted during February to April 2024 at the Experimental Farm, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, to evaluate the impact of biostimulants on the biochemical properties, nutrient uptake and profitability of greengarm. The experiment was conducted in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with eight treatments and three replications. Results indicated that foliar application of seaweed extract at 3% on 30 and 45 DAS (T2) significantly improved seed nitrogen content (3.90%), crude protein content (24.38%), and nutrient uptake of nitrogen (44.62 kg ha-1), phosphorus (12.46 kg ha-1), and potassium (48.97 kg ha-1) compared to other treatments. T2 also recorded a 51.35% increase in seed yield over the control, with the highest net returns (₹36,281 ha-1) and a benefit-cost ratio of 2.27. Therefore, it can be concluded that foliar application of seaweed extract at 3% on 30 and 45 DAS, in conjunction with the recommended dose of fertilizer, is the most effective treatment for improving biochemical parameters, nutrient uptake, and economic returns in greengram cultivation.